The tension in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, heightened on Monday as protesters demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, regrouped at Utako Market after being violently dispersed by security operatives earlier in the day.
According to reports by SaharaReporters, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaigners had initially gathered near Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, where police fired multiple rounds of teargas to disperse them.
Undeterred by the assault, the protesters later regrouped at Arab Junction, in the Utako area, to continue their peaceful demonstration. However, they were again attacked by a combined team of soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) near the Building Materials Plaza close to Jabi Park.
Eyewitnesses said the security agents fired teargas canisters directly into the crowd, causing chaos as demonstrators and bystanders scampered for safety.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Sowore was seen addressing the protesters at the new location, condemning the violent actions of security forces and insisting that the rally remained peaceful.
“You are aware that we are here today for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally. But today is one of the darkest days in the history of Nigeria,” Sowore said.
“This is not a tribal, religious, or sentimental issue — it’s a social justice issue. We are not here as Igbos, Yorubas, or Hausas.”
Earlier, SaharaReporters confirmed that Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, were arrested during the protest. Sowore, in a post on social media, accused the police of brutality and illegal detention, demanding their immediate release.
“The PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, as well as innocent bystanders,” Sowore wrote. “They were beaten and taken to the FCT Command. The police must release them immediately.”
Confirming his arrest, Ejimakor posted:
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emmanuel, and others. We are at FCT Command CID, No. 1 Zaria Street, Garki 2, Abuja.”
Similarly, Kanunta Kanu, another brother of the IPOB leader, described the arrests as “unlawful and oppressive,” insisting that every Nigerian has the right to peaceful protest.
Earlier reports also revealed that police had fired multiple rounds of teargas at protesters near Transcorp Hilton, dispersing clergymen, civil society activists, and other citizens who participated in the rally. The chaos reportedly spilled over into nearby Maitama streets, affecting commuters and passersby.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally, led by Sowore and various pro-democracy groups, was scheduled to hold across Abuja on Monday, October 20, with a planned march toward Aso Rock Villa to demand Kanu’s unconditional release.
Despite the heavy crackdown, protesters vowed to continue their campaign until the IPOB leader regains freedom.